China's leader warns against 'politicizing' the Games (Roundup)

Aug 1, 2008, 9:46 GMT

Brazilian journalists work at the Main Press Centre of the Olympic Games in Beijing, China, 01 August 2008.. EPA/GERO BRELOER

Beijing - Chinese President Hu Jintao warned Friday against 'politicizing' the Olympic Summer Games in Beijing which start on August 8.

'Politicizing the Olympics runs contrary tot the Olympic spirit and the shared aspirations of people all over the world,' Hu said in a first group interview with foreign journalists.

'It is inevitable that people hold divergent views on issues, but politicizing the Olympics will not address those issues,' he said.

'Instead, those issues can be resolved on the basis of mutual respect, by narrowing the differences and expanding common ground,' Hu said.

The Beijing Games offered both an arena for exceptional athletes and a platform to increase understanding among people from all over the world, he said.

In the carefully prepared group interview on Friday, Hu did not comment on human rights issues, Tibet or the controversy over internet censorship.

He said the Beijing games would give China an important legacy not only in infrastructure but also in environmental technology and culture.

'The Olympic Games will leave us some sports venues and infrastructure facilities,' Hu said.

'We very much treasure such a material legacy, and certainly we will make the best use of these facilities and venues and fully bring into play their functions and roles,' he said.

'But I'd like to say that we also recognize the spiritual legacy that will be left by Beijing Olympics games, which certainly will last much longer and is more valuable.'

Hu said the development of a 'conservation culture' was a strategic task for China's economic and social development and a 'major concern of Chinese people'.

'By hosting the Beijing Olympic Games, we want to work vigorously to promote the protection of ecology and the environment, and we will also work vigorously to make the sky clearer, land greener and the water cleaner,' he said.

'More importantly, we want to enable the consciousness and awareness of the conservation culture to sink deep into the hearts of the people,' he said.

The foreign journalists at the press briefing, who were allowed only one question each, did not raise the more controversial issues of Tibet, human rights and democracy.

However, the two dozen participants had their questions vetted by the Chinese foreign ministry.

Journalists who wanted to ask about Tibet or human rights were not given the opportunity to ask their questions.